“The J.P. Patches Show” was aired on KIRO/7 from 1958 to 1981, making it the longest-running local children’s show in the nation.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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J.P. Patches teaches kids how to say the Pledge of Allegiance during a performance on Saturday, August 27, 2011 at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe. The appearance by the beloved clown is one of his final performances. The man behind the makeup, Chris Wedes, recently announced his retirement. less

J.P. Patches teaches kids how to say the Pledge of Allegiance during a performance on Saturday, August 27, 2011 at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe. The appearance by the beloved clown is one of his final ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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J.P. Patches, known for his colorful outfits and wit, performs on Saturday at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe. The appearance by the beloved clown was one of his final performances. The man behind the makeup, Chris Wedes, recently announced his retirement. less

J.P. Patches, known for his colorful outfits and wit, performs on Saturday at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe. The appearance by the beloved clown was one of his final performances. The man behind the ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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J.P. Patches speaks to his Patches Pals at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe.

J.P. Patches speaks to his Patches Pals at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Patches Pals cheer as J.P. Patches takes the stage.

Patches Pals cheer as J.P. Patches takes the stage.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Robert Thompson of Kent is all smiles as he prepares to meet J.P. Patches on Saturday at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe.

Robert Thompson of Kent is all smiles as he prepares to meet J.P. Patches on Saturday at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe.

J.P. Patches checks the time on his watch after handing the microphone to fellow Korean War veteran Ken Cage of Marysville at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe.

J.P. Patches checks the time on his watch after handing the microphone to fellow Korean War veteran Ken Cage of Marysville at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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J.P. Patches challenges audience members to a Hula Hoop contest.

J.P. Patches challenges audience members to a Hula Hoop contest.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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J.P. Patches performs onstage with young fans on Saturday at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe.

J.P. Patches performs onstage with young fans on Saturday at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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J.P. Patches performs with a young fan.

J.P. Patches performs with a young fan.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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J.P. Patches performs with young fans.

J.P. Patches performs with young fans.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Fans watch as J.P. Patches performs one of his final public performances at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe.

Fans watch as J.P. Patches performs one of his final public performances at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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J.P. Patches signs autographs for fans at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe.

J.P. Patches signs autographs for fans at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Fans line up to meet J.P. Patches at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe.

Fans line up to meet J.P. Patches at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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J.P. Patches makes a young fan laugh onstage.

J.P. Patches makes a young fan laugh onstage.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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J.P. Patches is thanked for his many years of performances at the Evergreen State Fair during his final performance on Saturday, August 27, 2011. The appearance by the beloved clown is one of his final performances. The man behind the makeup, Chris Wedes, recently announced his retirement. less

J.P. Patches is thanked for his many years of performances at the Evergreen State Fair during his final performance on Saturday, August 27, 2011. The appearance by the beloved clown is one of his final ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Fans line up to meet J.P. Patches. The public appearance by the beloved clown is one of his final performances. The man behind the makeup, Chris Wedes, recently announced his retirement.

Fans line up to meet J.P. Patches. The public appearance by the beloved clown is one of his final performances. The man behind the makeup, Chris Wedes, recently announced his retirement.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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J.P. Patches walks off the stage for one of the final times on Saturday, August 27, 2011 at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe. The appearance by the beloved clown is one of his final performances. The man behind the makeup, Chris Wedes, recently announced his retirement. less

J.P. Patches walks off the stage for one of the final times on Saturday, August 27, 2011 at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe. The appearance by the beloved clown is one of his final performances. The man ... more